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It is hardly racy by today’s standards but this skimpy lingerie has certainly shocked historians.The lace and linen undergarments date back to hundreds of years before women’s underwear was thought to exist.They had lain hidden in a vault beneath the floorboards of an Austrian castle since the 15th century

Foundations of history: This bra was discovered hidden in a vault at Lengberg Castle in East Tyrol and is thought to date back to the 15th century

Despite their state of decay, the knickers bear more than a passing resemblance to the string bikini briefs popular today, while the bra has the fitted cups and delicate straps of its modern-day counterparts.While it was known that medieval men wore undergarments like modern-day shorts, it was thought that women simply wore a smock or chemise.It was thought that knickers didn’t make an appearance until the late 18th century.Bras were thought to be an even more modern invention, not appearing until around 100 years ago.

Hilary Davidson, fashion curator at the Museum of London, said the discovery ‘totally rewrites’ fashion history, adding: ‘Nothing like this has ever come up before.’She believes it is ‘entirely probable’ that something similar was worn by Britain’s medieval women.‘These finds are a very exciting insight into the way people dressed in the Middle Ages,' she continued.‘It’s rare that everyday garments of any kind survive from this period, let alone underwear.’ Next